In this article we talk about 5 important things to consider when
choosing and registering a domain name. Watch the short video below for
some quicktips on things to consider in brainstorming, choosing,
registering and promoting a domain name.
1. Brainstorming The Domain Name
The first step in choosing a domain name is to draw up a shortlist of
potential candidates. Now for the good news and the bad news.
The bad news is that unfortunately many
common names and phrases have been taken. Consequently if you are
looking for a name that is short and memorable than you’re probably out
of luck.
The good news is that there is a great tool that can help you brainstorm a domain name quickly called called psychicwhois.com .
I would say yes to using your search term or desired keyword in your domain name.
Based on personal experience in promoting websites I have noticed
again and again that having your search term/keyword in your domain
name will give you a slight boost in the competitive world of search
engine optimization. Regardless it is worth seven dollars or so to have
an additional name containing your search terms.
3. Recommendation: At least buy at least two domain
names. One of these domain names should contain your desired search
term. As a personal example, I have a website that I am currently
promoting for the search term “managed forex”. The website
(managedforex.org) as you would expect, ranks well for forex related
terms whereas the parent company pinnacle resource management does not
rank well for forex terms.
4. Do The Dash Or Is It Cheesy?
Having dashed-domain-name has gotten a bad rap, some may
call the dash domain names cheesy but the fact is that both people
click on these domain names and search engines find them relevant
also.If you do enough research and investigation you will see that
people will have differing opinions on the subject.
Some people are of the opinion that using dashes in a domain name
looks unprofessional. Here are two reasons why I disagree. First,
Google has made it clear that dashes are interpreted as spaces meaning
better search ranking for your phrase and second, so many domain names
are now unavailable that domain names with dashes maybe the only option
available.
Again domain names with dashes can actually rank better than domain
names without dashes. I have seen this especially in Yahoo. In
conclusion — don’t worry about — go ahead and select names with or
without dashes based on your personal preference.
5. Protect Your Privacy
Normally when you register your domain name, your personal information is made public and this public information can be easily abused in the hands of spammers.Fortunately it is possible to protect your privacy and your identity. I am listing several reasons why you should consider keeping your public info private when registering your domain name.
Less Spam - You don’t want to be spammed via e-mail spam or via a mailing that will be sent to your house.
Its No One’s Business - You may be writing about a sensitive subject in which you may prefer to stay anonymous.
Keep your competition guessing - Did you know people can find all of your website just by searching on your name if you don’t leave this information private. Take a look at this website - domaintools.com
6. Finding A Good Domain Name Registrar Is Hard To Do!
Having registered close to 100 domain names, I can tell you from personal experience that finding a good domain name registrar is hard to do. Unfortunately, most companies charge too much, constantly upsell you and then make it hard to leave. I am recommending 1and1 and dreamhost.com to buy your domain names.
Dreamhost would be my ideal choice however they are slightly more expensive than 1and1.
1and1 offers domain names with free privacy service for approximately 7 dollars a year.
Look around and do your own due diligence but 1and1’s price cannot be beat.
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